Organizational Leadership and Development, B.S.
The B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Development under the new Learn and Earn in 3 (LE3) model is an accelerated degree program designed for working adults. The Learn and Earn in 3 (LE3) Model at National Louis University is an innovative higher education approach designed to integrate full-time work experience with academic learning, enabling students to earn the B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Development in as little as 2.5-3 years. Recognizing the financial and time constraints many students face, LE3 offers a work-integrated curriculum where students earn college credit each quarter for their professional experience. AI-powered learning enhances the program by providing personalized, adaptive coursework, ensuring mastery of critical skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. By aligning with employer needs and maximizing federal and state financial aid, LE3 significantly reduces the cost of obtaining a degree while equipping students with marketable skills for long-term career growth.
Unlike traditional academic pathways, LE3 allows students to gain real-world experience while studying, ensuring that every lesson is immediately applicable to their careers. Students can enter the program through NLU’s Accelerate U program, a six-month industry-focused training program, or directly if they have up to 30 college credits and a full-time job. With AI-driven support, asynchronous coursework, and structured community discussions, LE3 provides the flexibility needed for students to balance work, education, and family responsibilities. The program is designed to improve economic mobility, with a goal of 70% of graduates advancing professionally within six months of completion. Through strategic investment and continued innovation, LE3 is redefining higher education by bridging the gap between academia and the workforce.
Program Details
- Requires 180 QH, including 60 QH of General Education, for completion
- Requires full-time employment to participate in the program
- Requires completion of all courses in the program major at NLU with a grade of "C" or better except for Professional Seminars, which require a grade of "B" or better
- The program allows the maximum of 30 QH of transfer credit that may be accepted toward the general education and program electives completed with a grade of "C" or better at an academic institution accredited by a recognized accreditor
- Requires Professional Seminars:
- Students receive 5 QH per term for time spent in employment through completion of Professional Seminars coursework
- Students demonstrate their learning to LE3 instructors and employers through Experiential Learning Portfolio (ELP) required for each Professional Seminar. Through ELP, students will report on what they are experiencing at work and provide artifacts and evidence of competencies.
- Over the course of the three-year degree, students will earn 45 QH for time spent at work
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students will be able to:
1. Exhibit proficiency in durable skills by integrating academic knowledge with real-world work experiences, solving complex organizational problems, and creating an Experiential Learning Portfolio showcasing mastery of these skills.
2. Employ the ability to connect work experience and academic knowledge to community initiatives, and provide evidence of the impact on local, state, and global communities.
3. Apply leadership theories and ethical principles in real-world organizational settings.
4. Analyze the alignment between personal efforts and the objectives of the workplace or community.
5. Engage in continuous self-assessment and career development by setting and achieving personal and professional growth goals, leveraging technology to enhance productivity, and adapting to changing work environments with resilience and creativity.
6. Demonstrate flexibility and resilience by responding to new challenges and changes in the workplace using creative, data-driven, and theory-informed strategies.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the Undergraduate admission requirements, the following criteria apply:
- Open to applicants with any amount of prior college credit; however, a maximum of 30 QH of transfer credit may be applied toward the program. Any additional transfer credit will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Full-time employment is required to participate in LE3. Students who are actively seeking employment and have a part-time employment status will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- AU graduates are not be required to submit additional transcripts. The 25-hour AU certificate graduates with remaining elective credits may choose to either submit non-NLU transcripts for evaluation or fulfill the credits at NLU.
Required Courses
General Education Requirements - 60 QH
| ENG 250 | Write with Impact: Clarity, Confidence, and Authenticity | 5 |
| ENG 255 | Public Speaking and Presence: Inspire with Confidence | 5 |
| HUM 150 | Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership: Navigating Real-World Challenges | 5 |
| HUM 155 | Thinking Critically: Cutting Through Complexity | 5 |
| HUM 250 | Creativity at Work: Art, Culture & Innovation | 5 |
| MTH 150 | Data Literacy: Turning Numbers into Stories and Insights | 5 |
| PSY 150 | The Human Side of Change: Unlocking Dynamics for Growth | 5 |
| SCI 250 | Nature's Blueprint for Leadership: Adaptation and Resilience | 5 |
| SCI 255 | Climate & Strategy: Leading with the Planet in Mind | 5 |
| SOC 155 | Building Collaborative Cultures: Organizational Design and Behavior | 5 |
| SOC 255 | Leadership Through Storytelling | 5 |
| RES 150 | Human Insights: Making Informed Decisions with Data Beyond Numbers | 5 |
Major Requirements- 90 QH
Major Core- 45 QH
| ORG 101 | Foundations of Personal Leadership | 5 |
| ORG 105 | Communicate with Impact: Listening, Tone, and Adaptability | 5 |
| ORG 110 | Chaos & Wisdom: Tackle the Messy Stuff | 5 |
| ORG 200 | Lateral Leadership Influence Without Authority | 5 |
| ORG 205 | Collaborate and Resolve Conflict Effectively | 5 |
| ORG 300 | Team Leadership: Building and Motivating High-Performing Teams | 5 |
| ORG 305 | Inclusive Leadership: Navigating Power Dynamics | 5 |
| ORG 400 | Innovation in Action: Disruptive Thinking to Design Thinking | 5 |
| ORG 405 | From Ideas to Impact: Keeping the Innovation Pipeline Flowing | 5 |
Professional Seminar- 45QH
Program Electives- 30 QH
Students receive 25-30 SH of elective credit for their participation in Accelerate U certificate programs. Any additional program electives must be completed at NLU as approved by the Program Chair.